I don’t feel brave – it was nothing to do with that. We have wonderful strikers and they all compete for the forward position

Andre Villas-Boas

Well, England centre-back Terry, 31 in December, was pretty quick off the mark yesterday – and at least he can score.

Misfiring Spain striker Torres, paid the price for his failure to score in the opening three games this season when he was dropped to the bench and outshone by Daniel Sturridge, who grabbed Chelsea’s second.

Torres, 27, has struck only once in 22 appearances since his British record £50million January move from Liverpool. But Villas-Boas insisted it wasn’t a “brave’’ decision to restrict Torres to a late substitute appearance.

He said: “I don’t feel brave – it was nothing to do with that. We have wonderful strikers and they all compete for the forward position.’’

And to add to Torres’ discomfort, it was his replacement – Daniel Sturridge – who scored Chelsea’s second yesterday with a sublime 51st-minute finish.

South Korean substitute Ji Dong- Won grabbed a consolation goal for Sunderland in stoppage time.

But pressure is mounting on boss Steve Bruce as his side are now without a win in five league and cup games this season and have scored only twice. And even worse for Bruce, they have lost eight of their last nine matches at home stretching back to last season.

The Sunderland boss said: “It was very difficult against a very good Chelsea team.

“When we had the ball, we gave it away too cheaply. The first goal was an awful one to give away against a side like Chelsea.

“We must arrest our home form – we’ve lost both games here already this season.” But with record £13m buy Asamoah Gyan joining United Arab Emirates side Al-Ain on a season-long loan, Nicklas Bendtner’s debut was a timely Sunderland bow.

And the big Dane, on loan from Arsenal, wasted an early chance as he headed just wide.

But Chelsea soon returned the pressure and profited in the 18th minute when Lee Cattermole brought down Nicolas Anelka.

Juan Mata, in his first start following his £26m arrival from Valencia, curled the free-kick against a post with keeper Simon Mignolet rooted to the spot.

But the danger wasn’t cleared and Terry’s shot ricocheted in off right-back Phil Bardsley.

Chelsea then extended their lead six minutes after the restart as Sturridge executed a brilliant back-heel flick into the net.

Ji finished coolly to pull one back for the Black Cats but Chelsea held on to continue Villas-Boas’ unbeaten start.

And the Portuguese boss said: “We produced the passing game and I think the team played very well.